The most important way to reduce rubbish is to create less in the first place.
Reducing the amount of waste you produce can also save you time and money.
- Avoid excess packaging when choosing products.
- Buy durable products instead of cheap disposables.
- Donate unwanted clothing, books, toys and household items.
- Stop junk mail and faxes through the Mailing Preference Service.
Reduce junk mail
Mailing Preference Service (MPS)
The MPS is a free service that removes your details from lists used by the direct mail industry. Register at www.mpsonline.org.uk or by calling 0845 703 4599. Please note the process takes up to four months to be effective.
Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
You can register your wish not to receive unsolicited sales and marketing calls. Register online at www.tpsonline.org.uk or by calling on 0845 070 0707 or by writing to TPS,DMA House,70 Margaret Street, London W1W 8SS.
Fax Preference Service
Register your wish not to receive unsolicited sales and marketing faxes at www.fpsonline.org.uk or by calling 0845 070 0702.
Reuse
Reuse is another way of making the most out of your unwanted items. There are a number of organisations and initiatives throughout Essex which can help you pass on or gain items, whilst benefiting the local community through providing training and employment and distributing furniture and goods to people in need.
Freecycle
www.freecycle.org acts like a free 'eBay', allowing you to give away something, look at what others have to give away or place an ad for something you need.
The Freecycle Network promotes waste reduction. The network is made up of many individual groups across the globe and provides individuals with an electronic forum to 'recycle' unwanted items.
The Brentwood Freecycle Group aims to prevent items from filing up the landfill site by posting unwanted items on the website for other people in Brentwood to collect. When you want to find a new home for something, whether it's a chair, bed or guitar, you simply send an e-mail offering it to members of the local Brentwood Freecycle Group. Membership is free.
Lighthouse Furniture Project
The Lighthouse Furniture Project is a Social Enterprise and Registered Charity that collects good quality second-hand furniture, electrical appliances and household items generously donated by local people. These are displayed for sale in the showroom located at Unit 27, Hutton Industrial Estate, Tallon Road Brentwood CM13 1TE.
For further information www.lighthousefurniture.org or telephone 01277 222050.
Reuse Essex
The Reuse Essex website has been produced by Essex Community Reuse and Recycling Network (ECORRN). This is a network representing community reuse and recycling groups in Essex.
www.reuseessex.org.uk provides a directory of reuse projects in Essex who reuse things like furniture, IT, electrical appliances, craft materials and bikes.